Laid-off workers given tuition aid

Former employees of Aloha Airlines, ATA Airlines, Molokai Ranch, NCL America, the Weyerhaeuser Corp., and Maui Land & Pineapple Co. affected by layoffs are eligible for a one-time 50 percent tuition discount at University of Hawaii community colleges.

The Legislature set up a $70,000 Rapid Response Fund to assist recently displaced workers with training expenses. The funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted or until the tuition discount expires on June 30.

"This is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to begin or resume a college education or those who wish to obtain new job skills," said Vaughn Baker, director of work-force development for the UH community colleges, in a written news release. "The funds are available for both credit and non-credit classes and it is our hope that many displaced workers will use this program to open new doors for them during these challenging economic times."

Applications may be obtained at any of the seven UH community college admissions and records offices or at any Workforce Investment Board One-Stop Center.

For information on the program, contact Baker at 956-5145 or via e-mail at bakerl@hawaii.edu.

Board to discuss Ala Wai parking

The state is seeking public comment on a parking plan for the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources reduced in May the number of free parking stalls at the harbor to 300 from 549. The compromise satisfied some surfers and still allowed the state to raise money for harbor maintenance and improve security at the harbor.

The Land Board also approved this month a request by the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to issue a revocable, 12-month permit to allow a parking vendor to manage the harbor's parking areas while a long-term plan is being developed.

The DLNR will discuss the parking plan during a public meeting Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria.

Show UH pride on first Fridays

University of Hawaii students, faculty and supporters are being encouraged to wear their school colors on the first Friday of each month.

UH President David McClain designated the first Friday of each month during the academic year as "UH Athletics Pride Days" and is asking people to wear the green and white of UH-Manoa; red, white and royal blue of UH-Hilo; or the colors of their individual campus.

The designation follows a proclamation by Gov. Linda Lingle on Feb. 28 that all state departments may designate one day each month as "UH Athletics Pride Days," with employees encouraged to wear acceptable attire that promotes UH athletic teams.

All Rainbowtique stores and UH Bookstores will offer UH employees and students with a valid ID card a 10 percent discount on all regular-priced apparel the last weekend of each month beginning Aug. 29. Customers will have a choice of either receiving the 10 percent discount or donating the amount to the athletic department.

Police, Fire, Courts

Star-Bulletin staff

LEEWARD OAHU

Maili house fire investigation over

The Honolulu Fire Department closed its investigation of a Maili house fire Aug. 9 which caused substantial damage to the house and carport.

The investigator classified the cause of the fire at 87-344 Farrington Highway as undetermined.

The fire caused $245,000 in damage to the structure and $20,000 to its contents.

No one was injured.

WAIKIKI

Suspect sought in Waikiki robbery

Police are looking for a man who robbed a 29-year- old man in Waikiki early yesterday morning.

At about 1 a.m. the suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money from the 29-year-old victim, police said.

The victim gave the suspect all his money, police said. The suspect fled on foot.

HONOLULU

Man allegedly chokes woman

Police arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly choking a woman in a vacant lot.

Police said that at about 2:50 a.m. Thursday, the suspect found the 27-year-old woman hanging out with friends at a bar on Kapiolani Boulevard and started to make a scene.

Police said the woman left with the suspect, whom she knows, in his vehicle, and they parked in a nearby vacant lot. The suspect got out of the car and argued with the woman in the car.

The suspect allegedly put both hands around her neck, choking her until the woman broke free and demanded that the suspect take her back to the bar, police said.

The suspect complied, and the victim reported the incident to police who then arrested the suspect.

WINDWARD OAHU

Machete allegedly used in threat

Police arrested a 71-year-old man for allegedly threatening two teenage girls with a machete in Waimanalo.

Police said that at 9:46 p.m. Wednesday officers responded to a report of an argument on Inoaole Street. As the argument escalated the man brandished a machete and threatened two girls, ages 16 and 14, police said. The machete was recovered. No one was hurt.

Crews douse fire at Kailua house

A small fire broke out in a bedroom closet of a house in the Pohakupu subdivision of Kailua shortly before 11:59 a.m. yesterday.

Firefighters arrived at 12:01 p.m. to the house, located at 1296 Ulupii St., and immediately doused the fire.

The fire was contained to the closet, said fire Capt. Robert Main. A juvenile and an adult were at home at the time.